Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
